Substitute House Bill No. 6872 seeks to revise and consolidate Connecticut's hate crime statutes by repealing and replacing several existing sections with new definitions and classifications. The bill introduces the term "protected social category," which includes identities such as race, religion, disability, and sexual orientation, and establishes specific classifications for hate crimes, including "hate crime causing physical injury" and "hate crime affecting property." It also sets mandatory minimum fines for these offenses, which cannot be reduced without court justification, and outlines penalties ranging from class C to class D felonies. The bill aims to enhance the legal framework surrounding hate crimes, ensuring that offenders face significant financial penalties while emphasizing the seriousness of such offenses.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing definitions to align with contemporary legal standards, expands the scope of protected characteristics, and introduces new offenses related to hate crimes, such as false reporting motivated by bias. It mandates that any crime determined to be motivated by a protected social category be officially recorded as a hate crime and imposes stricter penalties for repeat offenders. The legislation also broadens the Attorney General's authority to investigate hate crimes and enhances the role of the Hate Crimes Investigative Unit. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen protections for marginalized communities and improve the state's response to hate-based offenses, with an effective date set for October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Governor's Bill: 53-37a, 53-37, 52-571c, 3-129f
JUD Joint Favorable Substitute: 53-37, 52-571c, 3-129f
File No. 763: 53-37, 52-571c, 3-129f